This was the very first audiobook I ever listened to. That is, the abridged cassettes read by Denis "Wedge Antilles" Lawson, a long time ago, a couple states away. Now, finally, a perfect audiobook experience is available in this unabridged version of Heir to the Empire. This story was great when I read it back in high school, and is even better now! I always considered Timothy Zahn's trilogy to be Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, although they aren't officially recognized as such.
The sound effects were distracting at first, because I don't hear many effects in other audiobooks, but considering the sounds and music are from Star Wars ( tattooed on my brain since childhood), I found them to actually enhance the story. This is my first listen to Marc Thompson ever, and it's no wonder why he does all the Star Wars narrations. Perfection! This is quite possibly the best audiobook I have ever heard. Bring on Dark Force Rising and The Last Command! The Force is most definitely with us...

This was an incredible story. Zahn extended the Star Wars universe seamlessly and Marc Thompson breathes life into this great work.

The saga continues. The worse part about the Star Wars movies is that they end. Heir to the Empire continues the story keep fans satiated.

Marc Thompson does an incredible job brining all the characters to life. Admiral Thrawn is one of the coolest villains I've ever come across. Thompson also does a great job as Han Solo.

The Storm of Thrawn.

I loved the book but we need the rest of the Trilogy in the Unabridged version so we can continue the whole story

Wow, what an amazing production!

I'm blown away by the quality and the performance that Marc Thompson has done.

Great for fans.

Kashyyk, no question.

No, but very few do

Listening to this book is like watching a movie with the video turned off, there are tons of effects, every voice is by a different actor. I've never heard an AB quite like this but really enjoyed the change. Will listen to the whole series now.

I was so excited when I discovered that Marc Thompson would be reading the unabridged version of the Thrawn trilogy. After listening I must say I was not disappointed! Thompson does such a good job with all the different characters, he has to rank as my second favourite narator. The story was great - as all books by Zahn are.

Marc Thompson's excellent narration.

Thrawn was by far the most enjoyable new charecter. However, Thompson's impressions of the classic charecters is nearly spot-on; with Luke Skywalker being my personal favorite.

Apparently, in 1991, the word "sardonically" was free. Like, it cost absolutely nothing extra to add that word to your book... so, Timothy Zahn exploited this bargain to the fullest extent. While I eventually lost count I think it's safe to say every single chapter included at least one use of the word (30 times?). At that point I'd say that particular word was used to the point of distraction. Will someone please get Mr. Zahn a thesaurus?

Marc Thompson is a man of a thousand voices. He did a great job imitating the essence of the original actors - granted some of the new characters had familiar voices too (I think he imitated Antonio Banderas and Jack Nicholson). Even his female voices were feminine enough to keep the narration moving smoothly - unlike other male narrators who sound like drag queens when performing female voices.

The first movie I ever saw was the original Star Wars. In fact most memories of my childhood revolved around some bit of Star Wars memorabilia. Listening to this production of a new Star Wars trilogy brought all of those memories rushing back. The plot and descriptions were equal to that of Return of the Jedi and left me far more satisfied than my experience watching The Phantom Menace.

However, the end of this book didn't feel as dramatic as I expected. Nonetheless, it was very entertaining and I only hope the next audiobook in the series is as good.

Absolutely! As a Star Wars fan, I have seen all the episodes multiple times and like the movies, this will be a book series that I will listen to multiple times to pick up the little things that one misses on the first time.

Marc Thompson did a GREAT job and I don't think I could pick out a favorite.

This audiobook is a production. As you sit and listen to the story, the picture is painted in your mind as they throw in sound effects and background sounds. It is a book that you don't want to end and hate to have to stop in the middle...

As you think about the movie franchise, each movie had a "Grand Finale" scene, and you knew that there was another movie coming... The only criticism of the book and of the trilogy is that it left you hanging with "...to be continued". That being said, make sure you have the next two books in your wish list and ready to be purchased, because you will not want to wait until "next month" to continue on the journey!

Yes, I absolutely love Star Wars.

Mara Jade

Could anyone tell me what the next book would be (in chronological order) after reading this one?

Thanks!!